Apple to Upgrade iPhone 17 Standard Models with Higher Refresh Rate Displays

Apple is reportedly planning to reduce the feature disparity between its standard and Pro iPhone models with the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup. According to recent rumors, the standard iPhone 17 may receive an upgraded display featuring a higher refresh rate, marking a significant change from the 60Hz panels found on the iPhone 16 models.

A Weibo-based leaker, Digital Chat Station, has hinted that the iPhone 17 could introduce ProMotion technology to its base models. While the exact refresh rate remains uncertain—whether 90Hz or 120Hz—industry speculation leans toward Apple adopting 120Hz panels for the standard lineup. ProMotion, which has so far been exclusive to Apple’s Pro models across its iPhone, iPad, and MacBook range, offers a smoother and more responsive user experience.

Additionally, the iPhone 17 lineup is expected to transition entirely to LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) display panels. These panels allow for variable refresh rates, ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, and are more power-efficient than the LTPS (low-temperature polycrystalline silicon) panels currently used in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. This technological upgrade could enable new features for the standard models, such as Always-On functionality, which has previously been reserved for Pro models. The inclusion of Always-On displays would also enable features like StandBy mode, enhancing usability.

Prominent display analyst Ross Young has previously supported claims that the iPhone 17 lineup will incorporate ProMotion across all models. If true, this shift would make the standard iPhone 17 models more competitive with the Pro versions, potentially altering Apple’s long-standing feature-based segmentation strategy. However, questions remain about whether these upgrades will lead to price increases for the standard models.

As speculation about Apple’s strategy continues, some observers wonder if the Pro models might receive their own enhancements, such as a 144Hz refresh rate, to maintain their premium positioning. Regardless, the potential introduction of 120Hz ProMotion technology to the standard iPhone 17 models is poised to be a noteworthy step forward for Apple’s flagship lineup.